Iowa Youth Sports Initiative

Celebrate the small wins Justis column: Praise and recognition go a long way when dealing with youth athletes.

Why Coaches Should Focus on Meritocracy in Sports Coaching is an art that extends far beyond the strategies and tactics of a sport. Great coaches understand that building a successful team is about more than just talent; it's about cultivating a culture of meritocracy in sports. Being a coach that runs their teams based on meritocracy is actually t...

‘No game today kids – there is no referee’ – Working with Parents in Sport BlogsCreating a positive environment ‘No game today kids – there is no referee’ written by Dr Tom Webb 16th February 2022 Since sport restarted following lockdowns and Covid-19 enforced restrictions to everyday life, the amount of abuse towards sports officials, such as referees and umpires, a...

Team first mindset...
That's how you win...

Support booklet - Life Lessons for Athletes - www.proactivecoaching.info

Youth Sports Parents, Come To Your Senses | I Love to Watch You Play I see you over there, with your fancy Ipad recording device, standing the entire game, nervously pacing. Sports parents, come to your senses.

Taking a look at appropriate parental behavior Justis column: What to youth athletes want to see from mom and dad during, before and after events?

The Reason Girls Should Play Sports | I Love to Watch You Play Puberty, cliques, social media, the pressure to be perfect; raising girls isn't work for the weak of heart

How Often Should My Teenage Athlete Work Out? | I Love to Watch You Play If your child wants to excel in their sport, understanding how often your teenage athlete can work out is critical.

It's 🎉 and we're celebrating the benefits of active youth. Physical, mental, social, emotional, cognitive and academic benefits flow to youth whose bodies are in motion.

Why play matters: as.pn/sportsfacts

10 Essential Tips to Stay Organized as a Youth Sports Student Athlete Being a student athlete in youth sports can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Balancing academics, practice, games, and a social life can feel like a juggling act. However, with the right strategies and a commitment to staying organized, you can excel both...

Talk - and listen - to your coaches Justis column: Athletes should learn early how have sometimes difficult conversations with their coaches - and learn to listen to the advice

Play every game like it's your last...

How To Parent Kids Playing Club Sports With Grace | I Love to Watch You Play Poignant thoughts and advice on how to successfully navigate being a parent to kids who play youth club sports.

Questions to Ask When Injured Athletes Return to Sport - UK Coaching Developed in partnership with Head Coach at Excelsior Athletic Development Club James Marshall, this infographic depicts the questions that you should consider when an athlete that you coach returns to sport following an injury

When Your Athlete Loses Confidence | I Love to Watch You Play As parents, watching your young athletes struggle with their confidence can be heart-wrenching, but there are things you can do to help.

“Young people need an adult in their lives who’s both supportive and demanding.”

- Angela Duckworth

When grit expert Angela Duckworth was asked, “How has your concept of grit changed over the years?” she said, “Gritty people are more dependent on other people, not less. They rely more on their coaches, mentors, and teachers.

They are more likely to ask for help. They are more likely to ask for feedback. Grit sounds like being a strong individual who figures things out all by themselves.

But gritty people try to find other people to make everything they’re striving to accomplish easier.

It’s very much about developing relationships, being vulnerable, saying what you can’t do, and then, with the support of other people, figuring out how to do it.”

Read more here:

https://www.acoachsdiary.com/post/guardian-angels-character-lab-and-angela-duckworth

Red Flags of a Poorly Run Youth Sports Organization Youth sports can be a transformative experience for children, fostering physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. However, not all youth sports organizations are created equal. Some fall short in providing a positive and nurturing environment for young athletes. Let’s define a b...

We Like To Tell Our Athletes "They Are More Than Their Sport" But How Many Truly Get That Option? | I Love to Watch You Play We tell athletes that they’re “more than their sport,” but do we actually give them the freedom to learn more about themselves?

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These 2 activities can help you raise smarter kids, says brain study: They're 'associated with improved cognition' Two specific activities can improve cognitive skills in elementary school kids — especially when combined with a healthy diet, says a recent neuroscience study.

Do You Know How to Require Respect From Your Sport Circle? As a young athlete, you may struggle to ask for respect from your coach, your peers, and even your parents. For example, you might need your coach to communicate feedback differently or you may want your teammates to stop using a particular nickname.He...

From Youth To College Soccer: Five Takeaways For Sports Parents | I Love to Watch You Play It's a journey this youth sports thing. And from youth to college soccer, I have learned many lessons along the way.

6 Things Sports Parents Need To Know About Sports Specialization | I Love to Watch You Play Early sports specialization is the number one predictor that a young athlete will suffer an adult-style over-use injury.

How to Develop Leadership on Your Team Leadership is a vital component of any successful team. Cultivating leadership skills among your players not only empowers individuals but also enhances overall team dynamics and performance. In this blog post, we will explore practical strategies to develop leadership on your team, fostering a cult...